Foals
Last week, the Fox Theater Pomona saw an action-packed lineup of sound and vision as Coachella performers Silversun Pickups and Foals took the stage alongside opening act Deap Vally.
Deap Vally, one of our favorite acts from Los Angeles, kicked things off with blast of rock fury. Lead vocalist and guitarist, Lindsey Troy shined on stage. Her her fierce stage presence and grunge-punk attitude was a welcoming intoxication. Playing for a surprisingly small crowd that eventually beefed up for Foals and Silversun Pickups, Deap Vally commanded the attention in room, and just like that heads started to bob.
On drums and backing vocals, Julie Edwards is a force to be reckoned with. It’s no wonder she made Grimy Goods “Best Female Drummers — By All Means, BADASS” list. Recently brining life into this world with a new baby, Edwards is more badass then ever. This woman can drum. With her hair vibrating to the beat of her drum, Edwards never missed a beat. As I watched her in pure amazement, I wondered, when does she get to breathe. Hands down, Deap Vally go the party started.
Next up on the bill were the highly awaited indie rock band from England, Foals. Grimy Goods has covered these guys numerous times, and I can see why. They are a non-stop and highly combustible performance. Let’s just put it this way, Foals were on fiyah! These guys are all about getting the crowd moving, and even getting in the crowd themselves. Pomona cheered from the start of their set to the end. I’m sure many fans lost their voices this evening from all the joyous screams. Playing favorites from their earlier albums, as well as their latest What Went Down — Foals — as always, left the crowd craving more of that robust Foals flavor. I must add, frontman and guitarist Yannis Philippakis has all the strong and vivid presence of a lead. There’s absolutely a blunt force throughout this most charismatic man and his band mates.
Silversun Pickups
After two high octane performances, it was now time to swoon to the indie pop stylings of Silversun Pickups. The lights went dim, and an instrumental track played the melody to “Better Nature” off the band’s self-tilted album. Smoke filled the stage. A mystical tone was set as Brian, Christopher, Joe, and of course babe-bassist, Nikki humbly walked out on stage. Silversun Pickups had arrived.
I think this band could be summed up by one word — relevant. They have remained relevant to an extremely diverse crowd for an incredible 15 years. Opening with none other than the track “Cradle” off Better Nature), these Los Angeles natives did their thing, and they did it masterfully. That’s exactly what I admire about Silversun Pickups. They are completely 100 percent unique in their art, leaders of a indie sound that inspired many. You have Brian Aubert with his magically shrieking vocals and guitar, well-dressed Nikki Monninger on bass, Joe Lester on keyboard, and killer beyond belief drummer, Christopher Guanlao. You really have to take the time out and appreciate the atmospheric sound these guys provide. Pure ambiance with a welcoming jolt of rock.
Words & Photography: Danielle Gornbein
Deap Vally
Foals
Silversun Pickups
Silversun Pickups
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